Student-Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC) are the main forum for communication between staff and students. At these meetings, Academic Reps raise students’ concerns, views and opinions about learning and teaching, purpose changes and improvements and help staff to further develop their education.
Who attends SSLC Meetings?
SSLCs are committees made up of:
- Elected Academic Reps representing year course and year of study in a programme or subject area
- Directors of Studies and/or Directors of Teaching
- Department Administrators (acting as Secretaries)
- Other relevant staff such as library, careers, student experience staff, other teaching staff
These meetings provide an opportunity for students and staff to discuss ideas and solve problems connected with teaching, learning, and student support. The number of staff attending must not exceed the number of students attending.
Who chairs the meeting?
In many departments, Academic Reps are asked in their first meeting whether they would like to be the chair of the SSLC. This is a voluntary position giving a Rep overall responsibility during the meeting. Often a staff member is assigned as a co-chair to support and facilitate the student chair’s leadership role within the SSLC.
How do Reps raise issues in SSLCs?
Reps should be given the opportunity to raise emerging issues in the meeting as well as how existing issues are affecting students. On bigger issues, we advise Reps to send these in advance to the SSLC secretary to be included on the agenda. This allows members the opportunity to further consider the issue, allowing them to come to the meeting more prepared.
How do Reps gather feedback for SSLCs?
As representatives for their cohort, Academic Reps are tasked with gathering feedback from their peers on their learning experience. This can be done in a variety of ways to suit the group of students, for example using surveys, emails, polls, or scheduling drop-in sessions. Reps should seek to understand from their cohort how they wish to share their feedback.
When are SSLC meetings?
These meetings are typically held four times a year but can be up to six in some departments, with meetings lasting about an hour. You can find all the meetings dates by clicking on the link below.